WORCESTER—When a roaring snowstorm hits, a soft chair alongside a warm fire can serve as the perfect spot to watch the weather.
But when the snow stops and the sun shines, get outside, urges Colin Novick, executive director of the Worcester Land Trust.
There, the snow and sun combine to create “100 million prisms of light,’’ the perfect antidote, he said, for those struggling with seasonal depression from lack of sunlight
“It’s amazing,’’ he said. His advice: “Bask in the sun like a lizard.’’
That is just one example of the natural beauty that awaits those willing to explore the elements in winter. The warmer weather may be more commonly associated with outdoor activities, but local nature lovers say that winter provides plenty to explore and observe.
What you are less likely to see: Crowds.
“It’s peaceful,’’ said Sheryl Pereira, field teacher at Brook Meadow Brook, an Audubon Society sanctuary in the city.
With fewer people out walking, the quiet increases your odds of seeing wildlife before the noise and movement of others might chase them away.
And wildlife is out there to be seen, she said. While some animals do hibernate, a significant number remain active, including beaver, muskrat, fox, deer, rabbit and squirrel.
They may not be readily visible, but their tracks in the snow can create a tableau depicting their presence and activity. “The pattern of the way they walk, the way they leap, can tell a story of what they’re doing,’’ Pereira said.
Birding can also be a popular pastime in winter, with surprising sightings. As global warming causes the average temperatures to rise, birds such as robins, Carolina wrens and mockingbirds tend to remain in the area rather than migrate, Pereira said. The warmer winter weather brings less snow and makes their food sources, such as insects under leaves, more readily available.
Their year-round presence means good news for winter birders. The white snow and bare trees can make the birds far more visible. “A cardinal pops like you wouldn’t believe in this season,’’ Novick said of the vibrant red birds. “Anybody with a hint of color’’ will be more visible, he said.
Visitors to Broad Meadow Brook have reported seeing something you don’t observe in other seasons: Snow fleas, which are not fleas at all but are small wingless insects that live in snow banks and feed on organic matter. “You can see them hopping on the snow,’’ Pereira said.
Winter also brings its own unique activities. An adequate snowfall can create ideal conditions for snow-shoeing, a cold winter day activities that can burn 800 to 1,000 calories per hour.
Snowshoes are available to rent at Broad Meadow Brook.
Worcester Land Trust offers a variety of trails ideal for snow shoeing, including Newton Hill, where volunteers from Friends of Newton Hill keep the trails well groomed “to make sure people have the perfect cross-country experience,’’ Novick said.
Another fun snowshoeing location is Green Hill Golf Course, which is usually the purview of golfers, Novick said, but “nobody’s golfing in six inches of snow.’’
When the ice is thick enough, ice fishing fans get out their poles and see what’s biting. The ice fishing community also serves as something of a bellwether for ice conditions, Novick said. He tends to ask them how deep a hole they are drilling to access the fish. If it’s deep enough _ four inches is Novick’s minimum _ then a walk on the ice can be winter treat.
And there are the waterfalls. Yes, even in winter. While bitter cold winter can create an ice flow at the waterfall at Cascades Park, a rainier winter can lead to roaring falls worth checking out. When the forecast calls for localized flooding, Novick noted, “that’s the perfect time to go to the waterfall.’’
No matter what the activity or setting, winter creates its own outdoor opportunities. But be cautious.
Dress warmly in layers, Pereira advised, and consider hand warmers. “As long as your skin is covered, you’re OK,’’ she said. “There’s no bad weather, it’s bad clothing.’’
Your health will benefit from exiting the home and its cabin fever, Pereira said. “There’s nothing better than filling your lungs with clean fresh air,’’ she said. “Walking in the woods is good for everyone.’’
For more information about winter outdoor activities, visit gwlt.org, hikeworcester.com or massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/broad-meadow-brook.
Sandy Quadros Bowles is a journalist with more than 40 years of experience in print and online journalism. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and interacting with any and all animals that cross her path. She can be reached at sqbfreelance@gmail.com
